Road Safety

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​Dakota County plays an important role in road safety. By being smart about traffic controls and road access as well as keeping roads clear during the winter months, the county is actively trying to reduce the amount of vehicle accidents on county roads.

In all, the county maintains:

424 miles of road

83 bridges

250 traffic signals

More than 25,000 signs

As the County continues to grow, so does the need to maintain and expand transportation services. Dakota County is expected to add more than 120,000 residents over the next 20 years. This means more vehicles on the road and a greater need for an efficient and effective Transportation Department.

The following strategies support the transportation safety and standards principle:

Roadside Clear Zones

Establish roadside clear zones in accordance with AASHTO and MnDOT criteria for maintenance and design.

Speed Studies

Provide input to MnDOT for speed studies to post speed limits as provided by Minnesota law.

Project Analysis and Selection

Consider roadway segment crash rates as part of the process for project analysis and selection.

Towards Zero Deaths

Partner with MnDOT, the Department of Public Safety and other agencies to promote elements of Minnesota’s Toward Zero Deaths program where practical.

Law Enforcement Collaboration

Work closely with law enforcement personnel to evaluate and address issues beyond implementing highway changes and alert them to driver behavior issues that may be attributing to safety issues on the system.

Safety or Operational Issues

Implement changes, when appropriate, to an intersection or highway segment to address specific safety or operational issues.